Jen Wallace, the blogger at Indie Fixx, has been asking readers for their top ten lists of independent designers. I emailed her my top choices for independent jewelry, paper, and fabric designers, and she published my list this week. Click on over to check it out.

(Mom: please don't click through -- it's not anything bad, it will just spoil a bday surprise.)

In the past year, almost every publisher has released at least one book
about the importance of buying locally for the sake of the environment
and the economy. It would be a shame if they don't make the connection
that they have the power to help prevent independent bookstores from
closing, and keep these vital community businesses alive. With pricing
and terms that would allow independents to compete with chains, it
would prevent the ever centralization of book distribution and allow
local businesses to stay in business. This would be good for
communities, individuals and the publishing industry itself.
Unfortunately, it's too late for the people of Wyckoff, NJ, because
starting October 1st, they will no longer be be able to buy their books
from a local retailer.

I always love the miscellaneous categories in trivia games and shows. The "Grab Bag" category, or whatever they call it, on Jeopardy is always full of very random questions and facts.

Time has been fairly short this week, so I apologize for the quick posts. Here are some quips about things I have been thinking about but haven't had time to write complete posts about:Life Begins @ Thirty nominated in the Food Blog Awards. This blog has been nominated for "Best Food Blog - Food Industry", which I couldn't be more pleased about. Of all the categories listed, this is the one that I am most excited to be recognized for. The new year will continue to bring you more facts about the food industry, sustainable and local buying, and more farmer's market reviews. Please vote today!One last chance for local gift buying. The Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market is holding a special Christmas eve market on Friday, December 24 from 10 am - 2 pm. According to the newsletter, the following farms are planning on attending: Allstar Organics, Bariani Olive Oil, Bulldog Cactus, Captain Mike's Holy Smoke,
Downtown Bakery, Eatwell Farm, Four Sisters Farm, Galaxy Granola, Genuine Exotic
Melons, G.L. Alfieri Farms, Happy Boy Farm, Hare Hollow, Hidden Star Orchard,
Highland Hills Farm, Iacopi Farm, Juicey Lucy, Lagier Ranches, Loulou’s Garden,
Marin Gourmet, Moua Farm, Nash’s Olive Oil, Nick Sciabica and Sons Olive Oil,
Redwood Hill, Star Route Farm, The Pasta Shop, Torosian Farms, and Twin Girls
Farm.

Corporation-Friendly Laws outlaw Seed Saving in Iraq. This is an issue that I have been reading quite a bit about, and am outraged over. Essentially, new legislation put into effect by the new Iraqi government with guidance by the U.S. is outlawing the centuries-old tradition of farmers to save seeds. The reasons for this are supposedly many - from making Iraq friendly to big business (ie., Monsanto and other large seed companies) to making the Iraqi crops more exportable. What it will do is make the Iraqi farmers completely dependent on patented seeds that are being thrust upon them by big business. Keep an eye out for stories about this or read more about it here.

Forget about taste, Florida says, these tomates are just too ugly to ship. Unlike the smooth, round baseball-size tomatoes usually shipped from Florida from mid-October through mid-April, the lush, vine-ripened UglyRipes have what the industry calls a "cat face," full of uneven crevices and ridges. The Florida Tomato Committee, a trade group that controls sales and shipments of round tomatoes, has determined that the brand does not meet its standards for shape, lack of blemishes and other defects. "The marketing order has nothing to do with taste," said Skip Jonas, the committee's compliance officer. "Taste is subjective."

Editor note. This post is part two in a two-part series about buying local for the holidays. Part I focused on general advice for buying local. This part will focus on local buys specific to the Bay Area.

The Bay Area has a wealth of local businesses and products that are perfect for the holidays. To me, it seems that you have to almost go out of your way here to not buy local. I would like to share with you some of my favorites gifts and local stores. Many of these items will be under the tree for my loved ones, or have been gifts in the past.

Happy Quail Farms Chili Powders. These small vials of chili powder would be perfect for any spice-loving member of your family. We have one that is a deep red smoked type, and this little baby which is quite spicy. You can even buy a nifty wooden holder for them made by the farmer. Happy Quail Farms is an East Palo Alto-based farm and can be found at the Saturday Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market (Front, South end) and at the Sunday Marin Civic Center. ($5-$10)

Hangar One Vodka. The vodkas coming out of this East Bay distillery are fantastic. They are being critically acclaimed, and are a fun gift to give. You can buy Mandarin Blossom, Kaffir Lime, Buddha's Hand, Fraser River Raspberry or their fantastic plain vodka. Among other places, Hangar One is available at the Jug Shop and K & L Wine Merchants. ($30 - $35)

A Blue Bottle Coffee Subscripton. Everyone is probably tired of hearing me talk about Blue Bottle Coffee, but this will be the last time this year, I promise. You can purchase a subscription of Blue Bottle Coffee and have coffee delivered to your family and friends weekly for as long as you choose. You can decide on the blend, or coffee master James Freeman can decide for you. Blue Bottle will even enclose a card explaining who sent the gift. If you want to purchase single pounds or half-pounds for gift baskets, you can find James at the Berkeley Farmer's Market (Tuesday / Saturday) or the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market (Saturday / Sunday). Pressed for time and can't make it to a Farmer's Market? Buy Blue Bottle Beans at the Frog Hollow stand inside the Ferry Building. (1/2 pound of coffee: $8, 1 pound of coffee: $15)

Eatwell Farms Lavender Products. Buy affordable, organic lavender products as stocking stuffers or small gifts this year. They are always a hit with my friends and family. Eatwell sells a range of products that are worth checking out - lavender salt, body scrub, hydrosol, dried lavender, sachets. You can find Eatwell on Saturdays at the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market and Sundays at the Marin Civic Center. Pressed for time and can't make it to a Farmer's Market? You can buy Eatwell's lavender salt and rosemary salt inside the Ferry Building at the Potter Family Farms stand. (products start at $5).

Candied Nuts from Cache Creek Farm. For the past couple of years, these have been making it into my mom's stocking because she loves them. They are addictive. They also have fantastic pistachios. You can find Cache Creek Farm at the Saturday Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market - in the back. (pistachios are $6/pound)

Support our local publisher. I am proud that Chronicle Books is part of the Bay Area. This publisher sells well designed books that are great for specific interests. I have purchased many items from their stand at the Metreon. Check out their site to learn more. Sake from True Sake. While most of True Sake's bottles are not local, by purchasing items here you will be supporting the first dedicated sake store outside of Japan. The proprietor, Beau Timken, is working hard to teach the masses about great sake. His store is enjoyable and very easy to navigate once you get the hang of reading Beau's descriptive tags. True Sake is located at 560 Hayes Street in Hayes Valley. The sakes range in price, but it is easy to walk out with a bottle between $10 and $20.

Support a local artist. There are many artists in the Bay Area that are affordable and approachable. See new art by my favorite, Katie Gilmartin, at City Art this Friday night. 828 Valencia Street, 7pm - 10pm. (art costs range - approximately $150)

Need more ideas? Check out this post by mipmup -- she and I put together a fun gift basket last month. I have so many other ideas. If you have specific questions about items, please feel free to post here and I will help you out.

For the past couple of years, I have made a concentrated effort to buy as much local product as possible for Christmas gifts. Rather than run to the mall, the big box stores, or major online stores, I have tried to frequent local owners with unique products.

Why work so hard at buying local? Many reasons are well outlined in this article by Michael H. Shuman. For me, it is a decision to keep my money in the hands of small proprietors who are working hard on a daily basis to bring something unique to their community. Also, I often get more personal attention at a local store than a corporate one. I work very hard the rest of the year to buy as much local product as possible, and it seems right that Christmas buying fall into place with that plan.

If you're not used to the idea, buying local may seem a little daunting at first. But consider these tips, and you may find yourself purchasing more local items this Christmas than ever before.

Consider memberships to museums, CSA's or other organizations. Your community has tons of local memberships that may be of interest to your loved one: A year's membership to a non-profit organization, membership in a local community group, theater, or museum, or a few month's worth of produce from a local Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA).

Frequent your local bookstore. Check out Book Sense for locations of independent bookstores. These stores often have interesting recommendations, and are able to get books that you need within just a few days. Not ready to make that leap? If you are considering purchasing online, at least try Powell's which is Portland's local bookstore. (If you are looking for ideas, you can check out my Powell's reading list.)

Check in with your farmer's market. If you are lucky enough to have a year-round farmer's market near you, chances are it will be a great place for gifts. The farmers often offer gift items near the holidays. You will be supporting a local farmer, and you will have something interesting to give to loved ones.

If not local to you, then local to somewhere. Committing to buying local doesn't necessarily have to mean only buying items within your 20-mile radius. There are quite a few organizations that point you in the direction of local, artisan items that are available via mail order or online. Here are a couple to check out: Local Harvest, Viva Terra, Cowgirl Creamery, and Enstrom's Toffee. For food-specific items, I would suggest cruising Chowhound for some suggestions. They are a little difficult to navigate but with some patience, you can find some interesting ideas. To get you started, here are some opinions on gift baskets, homemade gifts, and mail order gifts.

So, try buying a local gift or two this year and see how you like it. You will be able to give interesting gifts that tell a story -- gifts that many will appreciate.